Norfolk Broads Canoe and Kayak Guide Sample

Back Cover – Top: Coltishall Common, River Bure. Photo | Steve Maloney. Bottom: Family fun on the Norfolk Broads. Photo | Steve Maloney.

NORFOLK BROADS CANOE AND KAYAK GUIDE The Norfolk Broads is a unique wetland environment, with

NORFOLK BROADS CANOE AND KAYAK GUIDE

Front Cover – Dad and daughter on the River Bure. Photo | Steve Maloney.

NORFOLK BROADS CANOE and kayak guide

marvellous wildlife and scenery that is ideal for exploring by canoe or kayak. This guide provides all the information you need to plan your journey through this picturesque landscape.

2 nd E dition

Seven rivers and fourteen broads are described in detail, with information on launching points, local attractions, wildlife and history. Distances between launching points are also provided, along with details of riverside campsites and pubs, enabling you to plan single and multi-day trips. To help you prepare for your journey there is also advice on tides, safety, access and environmental issues.

2nd Edition Revised and updated 9 781906 095734

The 2nd edition contains 128 small but significant updates.

STEVE MALONE Y

STEVE MALONE Y

2nd Edition STEVE MALONE Y

North Walsham

12 Wayford Bridge Inn

13

14 15

er A n t

rB ur

17

22

24

rea

23 19 20

r

4 5

21

7

urn e r Th 28

Bastwick

v

29

6 The Ferry Inn

The Lion Inn

30

The Maltsters

un

27

The Swan Inn

The King’s Head

e

Hoveton

3

26

Ri

2

25

H

Norada Grill and Tavern

King’s Head

Rising Sun

m

d

Coltishall 1

4kms 2.5mls

The Pleasure Boat

18

e

0 0

St

ve

Sutton Staithe Hotel

ed

Ri

Stalham 16

R iv

8 9 10 Acle Bridge Inn

Acle

Red Lion Inn 31

The Rivergarden

32

The 33 Townhouse 35

34

The TheRushcutters Rushcutters The Ferry House

The Ferry Inn

R i ve r B u r e

The Broads

Coldham Hall

36

The Water’s Edge

11

38

B 37 New Inn

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e

Great Yarmouth

The Berney Arms

Beauchamp Arms

Ri

39

at W

r

NORWICH

ver

The Reedcutter

Ya 40

re

41 Reedham Ferry Inn

Poringland

Gorleston-on-Sea

Lord Nelson 42 The Bell Inn 58

43 44

Hopton on Sea

St Olaves

Loddon 57

55

Ellingham 51

47

49

50

Bungay

46 The Black Swan

Wortwell Harleston 45

53 52

48

R 54 The Locks Inn

Beccles

iv

e r Wa ve

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Lowestoft 56

steve malone y

norfolk broads CANOE and kayak GUIDE

Important notice – disclaimer Canoeing and kayaking are healthy outdoor activities that carry some degree of risk.

They involve adventurous travel, often away from close habitation. Guidebooks give an idea of where to access the water, where to egress, the level of difficulty and the nature of the hazards to be encountered.

However, nature being what it is, river valleys are changed by time and erosion, water levels vary considerably with rain, and constructed features can be updated or altered.

This guidebook is no substitute for personal inspection at the time of paddling, and your own risk assessment and judgement. Your decision to paddle or not, and any consequences arising from that decision, is your responsibility.

Alcohol and water are a potentially lethal combination and the wonderful pubs listed in this guide should be enjoyed responsibly. Alcoholic beverages are best enjoyed after the day’s watersports activities are over.

Second Edition 2020 First published in Great Britain 2016 by Pesda Press Tan y Coed Canol Ceunant Caernarfon Gwynedd LL55 4RN Copyright © 2016/2020 Steve Maloney ISBN: 978-1-906095-73-8 The Author asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Publisher.

Printed in Poland

Dedication For Dad. Thank you for always being interested and encouraging. For giving me the love of adventure. And because now I understand how good it feels to be

d ed i c at i o n

proud of your children.

3

Contents Dedication .................................................................................................................................................. 3 Contents ...................................................................................................................................................... 4 The Author.................................................................................................................................................... 6 Introduction................................................................................................................................................. 7

The Norfolk Broads................................................................................................................... 9 Safety................................................................................................................................................... 13 Access and Environmental Issues........................................................................... 17 How to Use this Guide.......................................................................................................... 21 The Rivers and their Associated Broads............................................................ 25 Table of Launching Points................................................................................................. 56 Launching Point Descriptions by River............................................................... 61 River Bure.................................................................................................................................................. 61 River Ant..................................................................................................................................................... 74 River Thurne............................................................................................................................................. 83 River Wensum........................................................................................................................................... 92 River Yare................................................................................................................................................... 94

co n t en t s

River Chet................................................................................................................................................. 102

4

River Waveney........................................................................................................................................ 104

Table of Waterside Pubs.................................................................................................. 118 Waterside Pubs......................................................................................................................... 121 Table of Waterside Campsites.................................................................................... 132 Waterside Campsites.......................................................................................................... 135 Table of Canoe and Kayak Hire Centres ......................................................... 138 Distance Charts........................................................................................................................ 140 High Tide Times around the Broads...................................................................... 145 Appendix.......................................................................................................................................... 147 Broads Authority Canoe Trails.............................................................................................................. 147

co n t en t s

Index................................................................................................................................................... 158

5

The Author So here we are, a good few years and many paddled miles after I started researching the first edition of the Canoe and Kayak Guide. It’s great to see increasing numbers of people out there enjoying the wonderful Broads area by canoe or kayak and having so much fun in a more environmentally sustainable way. My family and I still love to get out on The Broads

and even now are able to find new waters we have yet to explore fully, while on our favourite

stretches there is always something new to see. The overwhelmingly positive response to

the first edition of the guide book was wonderful and I sincerely hope that the updates in

this new version help even more people to get out there and make the most of the amazing

t h e au t h o r

natural resource we have in the Norfolk Broads.

6

Photographs All photographs by Steve Maloney, except where acknowledged in the captions.

Introduction Things have changed a great deal since I started out paddling, and with so much choice

available, a little time spent chatting and some honest advice can go a long way. Working in a canoe and kayak store, I found that once a customer had decided upon and paid for their

shiny new boat, invariably the next question would be, “Great, now where’s a good place to paddle around here?”

With paddling on and around the Broads becoming ever more popular, I found myself being asked this more and more often. Alternatively, people would come in with tales of where

they had tried to get on the water and were subsequently accosted by a local politely telling them to clear off.

It was this that initially made me start researching safe places to launch and land. Living so

close to so much water that is perfect for paddling I feel it is a terrible waste if you don’t use it. The Broads is a unique wetland environment, with spectacular wildlife and scenery that is ideal for exploring by canoe or kayak. It is underused by paddlers, and simply talking to people about the various different waterways makes me want to grab a boat and get out there.

I love to paddle about on the Broads at a relaxed pace, watching the wildlife and scenery, being hassled by the ducks and swans as they try to steal my sandwiches, ducking to avoid

a low-flying kingfisher, or chucking a rod over the side and having a go at giving some maggots a wash. I had my favourite areas to paddle, but I soon found myself coming up with the same questions I was being asked in the shop. Finding places to launch a canoe or under the control of a local parish council that may have restrictions in place as to who can

and cannot use the facilities. So I decided that I would do the research and try to create the definitive guide. Little did I know what I was letting myself in for. But a couple of years down the road and a good few paddling miles later and here we are. My hope is that this

guidebook helps paddlers use the Broads and encourages more people to take to the water and start their own love affair with paddling.

i n t ro d u c t i o n

kayak around the Broads can prove to be more than a little difficult, with many places being

7

Catfield Staithe, River Thurne.

Launching Point Descriptions by River River Bure

Rising Sun

Coltishall

Ri

ve

u rB

0

250m

0

250yds

re

OS Explorer OL40 Grid Ref: TG 266 193

Horstead Mill Sluice.

Postcode: NR12 7AT

This marks the starting point for the Broads

muddy. However, this is an excellent spot to

Authority area of the River Bure.

have a little fun in the faster stuff, and is just

Launching at Horstead Mill presents the pad-

about Norfolk’s only whitewater experience.

dler with two choices. Those wanting a more

Note: The slipway is for parishioners’ use only.

adventurous start can walk from the car park

Alternatively, if you walk over the mill sluic-

to the side of the mill pond where the ground

es from the car park and turn left you can

slopes gently to the flowing water’s edge. It

launch into the still waters by the lock where

can be quite a challenge getting in or out of

there is also a slipway to help you enter the

your boat here as the bank can also be quite

water gracefully.

L au n c h i n g P o i n t D e s c r i p t i o n s b y R i v er

1 Horstead Mill

61

dall roundabout. Here, you need to turn back on yourself, heading back along the A47 but only for just over half a mile. You will soon see a signpost for Blofield Heath and shortly after a filter lane for this exit. Follow the signs through Blofield Heath and out the other side of the village until you come to a junction. Turn left here and after just under a mile you will come Bure at Horstead.

to a crossroads with The Brick Kilns pub on your right. Turn right here onto Honeycombe

Upstream of Horstead Mill is free water and as

Road and stay on this road following the signs

such no Broads Authority permit is required.

for Wroxham. After you drive over Wroxham

This stretch of the river, while not covered as

Bridge and past Roys department store you

a part of this guide, is extremely beautiful and

come to the first of a pair of small roundabouts.

would be a shame to miss out. So if you are

Turning left here puts you onto the B1354 to-

planning a trip from or around the Coltishall

wards Coltishall and simply follow the instruc-

area, the upper part of the Bure from Horstead

tions above from Wroxham/Hoveton.

62

Directions

2 Belaugh Staithe

From Norwich – take the B1150 towards Coltishall. On entering Horstead village, continue

0

250m

0

250yds

down the hill until just before the roundabout with the Recruiting Sergeant pub opposite, turn right down Mill Road and the entrance to the

iv

R

er

Bu r

e

Belaugh

mill car park is around 300 metres on your left.

From Wroxham/Hoveton – take the B1354 into

e

er

B

ur

Coltishall. At the junction with the petrol station

Riv

L au n c h i n g P o i n t D e s c r i p t i o n s b y R i v er

Mill is highly recommended.

on your right, turn left onto the B1150 towards Norwich. Immediately after the roundabout

OS Explorer OL40 Grid Ref: TG 288 185

which has the Recruiting Sergeant on your

Postcode: NR12 8XA

right, turn left down Mill Road. After about 300 metres turn left into the car park for the mill.

The tiny village of Belaugh can be a little tricky

From Great Yarmouth – take the A47 towards

to find. If you do manage to discover it there is

Norwich until you reach the Blofield and Brun-

a potential launching spot here onto the River

Bure. The parking is free but very limited with

Brundall roundabout. Here you need to turn

space only for about four vehicles. Launching

back on yourself, heading back along the A47,

is via a vertical drop of about a metre, but

but only for just over half a mile. You will soon

certainly still manageable for both canoes and

see a signpost for Blofield Heath and shortly

kayaks. The Broad Authority has improved

after a filter lane for this exit. Follow the signs

this facility and there is now a great slipway

through Blofield Heath and out the other side

to the water’s edge right next to the car park.

of the village until you come to a junction. Turn

Picnic tables, benches and a well-kept grassy

left here and after just under a mile you will

area also make it a very pleasant place for a

come to a crossroads with The Brick Kilns

short break or a picnic as it lies about halfway

pub. Turn right here onto Honeycombe Road

between Horstead Mill and Wroxham.

and stay on this road all the way following the signs for Wroxham. After you drive over

Directions

Wroxham Bridge and past Roys department

Belaugh lies between the villages of Coltishall

store you come to the first of a pair of small

and Hoveton just off the B1354. The access

roundabouts. Turning left here puts you onto

road and signpost to the village are fairly

the B1354 towards Coltishall and then you

small, so don’t blink or you’ll miss it.

simply follow the instructions as above.

and after you drive over Wroxham Bridge and past Roys department store you come to the first of a pair of small roundabouts. Turning left here puts you onto the B1354 towards Coltishall and Belaugh. Continue under the Bure Valley Railway bridge and onwards for about half a mile. Take the next left onto Top Road signposted for Belaugh. It has dead-end signs, but don’t let that put you off. A little way on, turn right onto The Street and follow this road round where suddenly you will find yourself at the riverside car park area.

From Wroxham/Hoveton – take the B1354 towards Coltishall and follow the directions as above.

From Great Yarmouth – take the A47 towards Norwich until you reach the Blofield and

Paddler at Belaugh.

L au n c h i n g P o i n t D e s c r i p t i o n s b y R i v er

From Norwich – take the A1151 into Wroxham

63

New Inn, Stokesby.

Waterside Pubs River Bure Rising Sun

Kings Head

OS Explorer OL40 Grid Ref: TG 276 198

OS Explorer OL40 Grid Ref: TG 276 198

Postcode: NR12 7EA

Postcode: NR12 7EA

Address: 28 Wroxham Road, Coltishall

Address: 26 Wroxham Road, Coltishall

Telephone: 01603 737440

Telephone: 01603 737426

Website: www.risingsuncoltishall.co.uk

Website: www.kingsheadcoltishall.co.uk

Launching: No

Launching: No

Waypoint: Yes

Waypoint: Yes

The Rising Sun is generally the first building you see as you approach Coltishall Common

A 17th-century inn only a short walk from the

by river. The large, bright building looks beau-

River Bure and close to Broads Authority 24

tiful and welcoming as you paddle towards it.

hour moorings. Traditionally styled, the Kings

Originally a granary and workers’ cottages,

Head offers a variety of high quality meals that

the Rising Sun welcomes guests with tradi-

are available cooked freshly to order.

tional pub dĂŠcor and fare.

wat er s i d e p u b s

Accommodation: B&B

121

The King’s Head

of menu that should satisfy lighter and larger appetites alike. There is no car park on site, but

OS Explorer OL40 Grid Ref: TG 303 182

the pay and display is only a few yards away.

Postcode: NR12 8UR Address: Station Road, Hoveton

The Ferry Inn, Horning

Telephone: 01603 782429 Website: www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/

OS Explorer OL40 Grid Ref: TG 344 164

norfolk/kings-head-hotel/

Postcode: NR12 8PS

Launching: No

Address: Ferry Road, Horning

Waypoint: Yes

Telephone: 01692 630259 Website: www.tfi-restaurants.co.uk

A very pleasant pub specialising in a daily carv-

Launching: No

ery with pub menu and specials. Easy access

Waypoint: Yes

from the staithe at the end of the garden area.

A spacious and welcoming carvery with plenty

The Swan Inn

of riverside frontage and seating areas. Great selection of food and drink, even if you don’t

Chain/group: Vintage Inns

fancy a carvery. Games room, pool table and

OS Explorer OL40 Grid Ref: TG 339 176

crazy golf available during summer months.

Postcode: NR12 8AA Address: 10 Lower Street, Horning

The Maltsters

wat er s i d e p u b s

Telephone: 01692 630316

122

Website: www.vintageinn.co.uk/

OS Explore OL40 Grid Ref: TG 359 145

theswanhorning

Postcode: NR13 6AB

Launching: Yes – public slipway and

Address: The Hill, Ranworth

vertical drop-in close by

Telephone: 01603 270900

Waypoint: Yes

Website: www.ranworthmaltsters.co.uk

Accommodation: B&B

Launching: No Waypoint: Yes

The Swan Inn is a very popular place to while away a few hours by the river watching the

The Maltsters delivers great food and drink

world go by on its boat. It has a large interior

with a beautiful view of the broad. Ample free

and also some outdoor tables that are right

parking opposite makes it not only a perfect

on the waterside. As a member of the Vintage

place to pause but also a great launching

Inns chain, you are guaranteed a wide choice

point as well.

Acle Bridge Inn

The Ferry Inn, Stokesby

OS Explorer OL40 Grid Ref: TG 414 116

OS Explorer OL40 Grid Ref: TG 431 105

Postcode: NR13 3AS

Postcode: NR29 3EX

Address: Acle Bridge, Old Road

Address: Riverfront, The Green, Stokesby

Telephone: 01493 750288

Telephone: 01493 751096

Website: www.aclebridge.co.uk

Website: None

Launching: No

Launching: No, but mooring and staithe

Waypoint: Yes

are very close.

Waypoint: Yes

The Bridge Inn prides itself on being a family friendly pub that offers a warm welcome.

The Ferry Inn has a large outdoor seating area

There is a wide range of food and drink, along

and easy access to and from the river. A regu-

with plenty of facilities to keep the whole

larly changing menu and specials board keeps

family entertained.

dining interesting, and the public car parking and easy launching nearby make Stokesby a

Rising Sun, Coltishall Common.

wat er s i d e p u b s

great place to start and finish a paddle.

123

Back Cover – Top: Coltishall Common, River Bure. Photo | Steve Maloney. Bottom: Family fun on the Norfolk Broads. Photo | Steve Maloney.

NORFOLK BROADS CANOE AND KAYAK GUIDE The Norfolk Broads is a unique wetland environment, with

NORFOLK BROADS CANOE AND KAYAK GUIDE

Front Cover – Dad and daughter on the River Bure. Photo | Steve Maloney.

NORFOLK BROADS CANOE and kayak guide

marvellous wildlife and scenery that is ideal for exploring by canoe or kayak. This guide provides all the information you need to plan your journey through this picturesque landscape.

2 nd E dition

Seven rivers and fourteen broads are described in detail, with information on launching points, local attractions, wildlife and history. Distances between launching points are also provided, along with details of riverside campsites and pubs, enabling you to plan single and multi-day trips. To help you prepare for your journey there is also advice on tides, safety, access and environmental issues.

2nd Edition Revised and updated 9 781906 095734

The 2nd edition contains 128 small but significant updates.

STEVE MALONE Y

STEVE MALONE Y

2nd Edition STEVE MALONE Y